Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Morris Bridge Park trails, December 8, 2016

Distance: 9.4 miles (RT)Trailhead:The address of Morris Bridge Park is 13330 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, Florida. Parking is on the left before the bridge (there are restrooms!). It costs $2 for parking.

Note: This route is on biking trails. If you are on foot, you must yield to cyclists.Hiked with a group today. The morning was clear but chilly (in the 50s). Morris Bridge area parks have a lot to offer in the way of nice trails for mountain bikers and Flatwoods Wilderness Park just down the road offers paved trails for road and other bikes.

Map of the area. See below for our route.

The area is serene, with the Hillsborough River just lazing by. We went left of the restrooms and headed down the boardwalk toward the bike trails. The trails are well marked and numbered.

Though not shown here, there are lots of birds poking around in the wet.

Difficult for bikes, not walkers.

We came across just two bikers, riding together. Not much traffic on a Thursday morning.

We stayed on the Main trail. Every off-trail leads you back to Main.

We did WALK the Indian trail, which is not so difficult.

Regrouping to discuss trail options.

Went on Gator Bait, though apparently the gators did not find us appealing!

We stopped for a snack at an intersection about six miles into the hike. There was a kiosk with a rough map.

Lush surroundings with pines and palmetto.

Power lines

Route in yellow.

This is a nice, easy walk in the woods and pass wet areas. I expect I will return. If you do hike in this area, bring your bicycle. If you don't mountain bike, there is a seven mile paved trail at Flatwoods.